Rosey Star Waxflower

Rosey Star Waxflower (Crowea hybrid 'Rosey Star') is a small native shrub that flowers when little else does. It grows about 60cm tall and wide, with fine evergreen leaves and pink star-shaped flowers for most of the year, even in midsummer and midwinter in some climates.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers almost all year. Five-petalled pink stars appear for most of the year, and in mild climates the show runs through midsummer and midwinter.
• Compact and tidy. At 60cm by 60cm it suits small gardens, pots and the front of a border.
• Feeds pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers bring native pollinators into the garden.
• Good for cutting. The flowering stems can be cut and enjoyed indoors in a vase.
• Copes with a light frost. Once established it tolerates a light overnight frost and thrives in mild winters.

Where it works best

Native and cottage borders. Plant 50cm apart for a low, flowering edge along a path or in front of taller shrubs. It brings winter colour when many other plants are resting.

Patio pots. It is happy in containers, which suits courtyards, entries and small spaces.

Cut flowers. The stems can be cut to enjoy indoors in a small vase.

Growing Rosey Star Waxflower in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or dappled shade, in a light, bright spot. In the fierce summer heat of Western Australia and South Australia, give it dappled shade. It flowers best in mild warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean climates, and it tolerates a light overnight frost.

Soil. Free-draining, light sandy soil gives the best results. Mulch generously to keep the roots cool and moist while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Water regularly and do not let the plant dry out or become waterlogged. After pruning, apply a slow release fertiliser for natives and fresh mulch.

Pruning. A light prune once flowering has finished, or at the end of winter, will help give the plant shape and encourage new growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Rosey Star Waxflower as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, fine-leaved plant on arrival, ready to pot up or plant out into mulched, free-draining soil. Flowering builds as the plant fills out, and mild weather brings it on fastest. Plants travel upright in their tubes and settle quickly once watered in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More Australian native plants
• Australian native shrubs
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Designing a native garden that attracts wildlife

Common questions

When does it flower?

For most of the year, and in some climates even in midsummer and midwinter. Mild weather gives the longest display.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It does well in a patio pot, provided the mix drains freely and the plant is watered regularly without being left waterlogged.

Will it cope with frost?

A light overnight frost is fine once the plant is established, but it prefers mild winters.